Choosing an Electric Wheelchair For Elderly People
You have a variety of options when you're looking for a portable, electric wheelchair. Many of them are travel-friendly, meeting government requirements for air and car transport.
In order to qualify for Medicare to cover the cost of your chair the doctor will have to perform a home evaluation and prescribe it as medically necessary. You then can choose an authorized wheelchair provider and place your order.
Comfort
The best electric wheelchairs designed for seniors offer comfort and the latest technology to foster a feeling of independence. As a tool for mobility can help adults stay active and involved in their surroundings and maintain healthy relationships with family and friends, as well as the community, and enhances the overall quality of their life. But the world of mobility aids can feel like charting uncharted territory, and deciding on a new chair can be a daunting task for certain.
There are a number of options to make the process easier. Start by looking for a chair with variable speed settings that can be adjusted to suit the environment. A reclined seat to provide extra comfort is a bonus. Finally, a variety of add-on accessories, like cups holders, food trays oxygen tank holders, and upgraded seating may be available on most models.
An electric powered wheelchair (EPW) is a battery-operated mobility device with 4 to 6 wheels, based on the model and type of chair. These wheelchairs are utilized by those who are unable to walk due to an injury, illness, or age-related weakening.
Today, EPWs span all the way from small, portable wheelchairs that fold and disassemble to huge fully-featured chairs. They're typically controlled with an electronic joystick that is mounted on the armrest, though other input devices are also available for those who aren't able to coordinate or the ability to use their hands.
Medicare covers the majority of electric wheelchairs. However, the model and amount of coverage will depend on your particular circumstances. The majority of these devices fall under Medicare Part B's durable medical equipment (DME) category that covers up to 80% of the total cost of an approved wheelchair or scooter. To be eligible, you must have a doctor provide a prescription and confirm that the product meets certain requirements set by the government. Some states have Medicaid waiver programs that follow similar guidelines and policies for qualifying patients. If you're unsure about the criteria to be considered, speak with your physician or contact your state's Medicaid office for more details. Additional financial assistance is available through private organizations like Veteran's Affairs or state-based programs. These sources can provide you with a complimentary or discounted wheelchair as and continuous support to ensure its long-term usage and maintenance.
MyMobilityScooters is a great mobility aid for those who are unable to self propel a manual chair for long distances or all of the time. This could be because of reduced strength, endurance or coordination. An electric wheelchair allows users to be part of the community and enjoy activities like going shopping and visiting relatives or friends or attending events, as well as other chores.
The powered chairs can be controlled with a joystick, or other input devices, such as chin controls or sip/puff scanners. The joystick can be used to control the speed and direction of the chair, in addition to other functions like a horn and the indicator for battery status. The controller is able to supply power to the drive wheels via rushed or brushless batteries.
The wheel type is also crucial, as it affects the driving and maneuverability. The majority of power chairs fall into three categories by the number of drive wheels: front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel. A mid-wheel power chair has two large wheels in its middle and four smaller ones at the front and rear. This provides excellent maneuverability and stability. Its turning radius is small, and it's the ideal choice for older adults who must navigate narrow spaces and doorways.
Seniors who want to purchase an electric wheelchair could apply for Medicare coverage through Part B. This is a part that covers medical equipment that is durable. However, eligibility is contingent on a doctor's prescription and the wheelchair has to be deemed medically required. They must be able to operate it in a safe manner, and someone must be available to help them.
Seniors can also explore alternatives that are not covered by Medicare, like VA assistance or state-based financial aid programs for older adults. They must carefully weigh out the pros and cons of every alternative to determine the one that is best suited to their particular situation and requirements. If they don't own a car and live in an apartment, they might decide to move into a senior community that offers apartments and amenities specifically designed to be accessible and safe. This will ensure that the wheelchair they buy will be suitable for their needs.
Safety
A wheelchair can be a valuable device for seniors with mobility issues, but it is also a risk if it is used improperly. Seniors who are using a power chair should follow some simple safety tips to ensure their safety and the safety of those in their vicinity.
For instance, seniors should avoid moving their wheelchairs with force onto curbs or steps since they can cause them to tip over. Also, they should avoid crossing roads when their wheelchairs are in motion because doing so can lead to an accident that could result in serious injury.
An electric wheelchair can be an excellent way for a senior to get around, but it is important that they know how to operate it safely. Certain seniors might not be in a position to operate their wheelchairs without assistance this is why they should seek assistance from an occupational therapist or another medical professional to understand how.
In addition, it is important to monitor the condition and health of the wheelchair to ensure that it is safe to use. For instance when the wheels aren't aligned correctly they could cause the chair to veer in a lateral direction at high speeds and potentially tip over. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on the battery to make sure it doesn't run low unexpectedly.
Maintenance ease is a further aspect to take into account when choosing an electric wheelchair for the elderly. To extend the life and performance of the powerchair, it is vital to maintain it regularly by checking the axles, tires, and bearings. It is also important to ensure that the batteries are charged at a steady rate to avoid charging too high and causing damage.
A wheelchair that is electric typically has rechargeable batteries that can be charged overnight. It may have front-wheel, middle-wheel or rear-wheel drive. It can be controlled with an armrest-mounted joystick or, in some instances it is a keypad that regulates the speed. Some chairs are designed for indoor use, whereas others are made for outdoor use and can feature features such as an exterior that is rugged. Other features available on certain models of power chairs are puff and sip controls (controlled by inhaling or exhaling into tubes), foot pedals, or controls for the chin.
Easy of Use
When it comes to mobility, a power wheelchair for the elderly can make a huge difference. It lets them maintain their independence and engage in activities they enjoy, such as shopping or visiting friends. It can also help prevent falls that can lead to loss of independence, a decreased quality of living, and even death.
There are a variety of kinds of electric wheelchairs and deciding which is best for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. For example there are transportable chairs that can be disassembled or folded up for storage and transportation within the trunk of your car, as well larger, full-featured chairs that offer more support and stability for longer distances. You should also consider the size and style wheels as well as the seating configuration (some have captain's chairs as well as sling-style seating) and the type of battery and capacity. Some wheelchairs come with the option of a free wheel that allows the chair to be manually pushed in the event that the batteries are exhausted.
Certain seniors are eligible to get an electric wheelchair at the lowest cost, thanks to Medicare, Medicaid and other non-Medicare financial assistance programs. However, they'll have to go through a complicated set of qualifications to determine their eligibility. Generally, they will need to meet with a doctor and show that their mobility limitations cannot be addressed with other devices such as a cane walker or manual wheelchair. The doctor will then make a medical note for an electric wheelchair.
Some Medicare beneficiaries with limited mobility may also be eligible to use an electric wheelchair as part Part B coverage. The wheelchair is deemed medically necessary and has a direct effect on their ability to perform everyday activities such as eating, bathing and getting around. In addition certain seniors may be eligible for a wheelchair through Medicaid waiver programs that have their own specific policies regarding DMEs. Contact your state's Medicaid agency to determine if they are eligible.